November 16, 2010 - Luncheon

A search on the Wikipedia website under the topic “statistical literacy” yields references that go back 20 or so years – and more than half a century if one includes Huff’s How to Lie with Statistics – thus evidencing the extensive impact that the statistical literacy (SL) movement has had in the US and Canada. Gone may be the days in which the learned instructor ‘dispenses’ knowledge from the podium as students are now encouraged (if not required) to actively participate in the acquisition of this essential foundation in statistical reasoning.

This talk focuses on the extent to which the SL movement and methods translate to other cultures – cultures where student interaction during lectures may be discouraged and where no allowance may be made for individual modes of learning. We will discuss cross-culturalism, social norms and mores, the push for ‘internationalization’, and challenges in education, consulting and research. The speaker shall borrow from his Peace Corps experiences in Benin, French West Africa in the 1980’s and recent Fulbright experiences in Thailand.

This month’s presenter, Professor Tim O'Brien, is the Statistics Graduate Program Director, Loyola University Chicago. Tim's research interests include experimental design, bioassay, relative potency and synergy. He has extensive overseas experience including biostatistical consulting in Belgium and Switzerland and a variety of academic positions in South Africa, Belgium, France, Germany, and Thailand. Tim has given short courses throughout Asia and the Middle East.

Lunch is $30 for CCASA members, $35 for non-members. Non-members, join the chapter for a year for only $15 and get the discount plus all of the other benefits of membership! As usual, the LucileDerrick Fund will purchase a limited number of tickets for students who wish to attend. If you are a student and would like to take advantage of this offer, please register online below, and contact Gerald Funk, expressing your interest 773-508-3561 or gfunk@luc.edu